Nayib Bukele targeted by AI-generated deepfake videos

Multiple AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have been circulating on social media.

One manipulated video falsely depicts Bukele suggesting that Colombian singer Shakira should be appointed president of Colombia to resolve the country's issues. Investigations reveal the audio was taken from an official visit to Costa Rica in November 2024, where no such comments were made.

A second false video shows Bukele comparing the administration of humanitarian aid in Colombia and Venezuela following earthquakes. In the fake footage, he praises Colombian authorities while criticizing the Venezuelan response. Fact-checkers confirmed these statements were synthesized using artificial intelligence. One source noted that the content was shared by a user who explicitly labels their profile as creating synthetic content for humorous purposes.